SASSA Disability Grant: How to Apply in 2023?
What is the SASSA disability grant payment? Disability Grants (DG) are payments provided by the government of South Africa to adults with a disability, preventing them from working for a period of six months or longer.
People with permanent disabilities are eligible for a disability grant for at least one year, while people with temporary disabilities are eligible for a grant for between six and twelve months.
As of 1 April 2023, the Disability Grant will be R2 080 per month per person. Those with higher private incomes will receive a smaller Disability Grant due to a sliding scale. An R10 increase will be made to the grant on 1 October 2023 (an R2 090 increase).
How to Apply For SASSA Disability Grant
A state-appointed doctor will evaluate applicants for the Disability Grant as part of the application process. SASSA-approved practitioners will assess whether your disability qualifies for the Disability Grant based on the diagnosis of either a temporary or permanent disability.
SASSA will be responsible for making the final decision regarding the Disability Grant, not the medical practitioners.
The SASSA Disability Grant can be applied for after the medical assessment by visiting a SASSA office near you, or by applying online (read how to apply online on the SASSA website).
The SASSA office can be visited by a family member or friend if you are too sick, old, or disabled to visit yourself.
A SASSA officer must be present when the application form is completed at the SASSA office. In case you or your appointed person are unable to fill out the application form, SASSA officers will be able to assist you or them.
A SASSA official who assisted with the application will issue you a dated stamped receipt. As proof of application, you will need to keep your receipt.
It is completely free to apply.
SASSA Disability Grant Requirements
There are a number of criteria you must meet in order to qualify for a SASSA Disability Grant (note that these criteria may change in the future). In order to qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees
- It is required that you are between the ages of 18 and 59
- State-funded institutions cannot provide permanent care to you
- It is necessary for you to reside in South Africa
- You must be physically or mentally disabled (temporary or permanent)
- In order to qualify for the temporary disability grant, you must be unfit to work for at least six months but not more than twelve months
- When applying for the permanent disability grant, you must be unable to work for at least 12 months.
- To qualify for the means test (for income and assets), you must meet the requirements below.
- The state will appoint a doctor to assess your disability through a medical examination
- It is not permitted for you to receive care in a state institution
- The only social grant you can receive is the one you receive for yourself
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SASSA Disability Grant Means Test
According to SASSA’s means test, social grants are awarded. Means tests are used to determine whether an applicant qualifies for a grant based on their income and assets.
Income threshold: The assets of single applicants cannot exceed R1 372 800, while married applicants cannot exceed R2 745 600.
Asset threshold: The gross annual income of single applicants cannot exceed R96 840, and the gross annual income of married applicants cannot exceed R193 680.
As of 1 April 2023, these are the thresholds. If the applicant is married, the income from the joint assets and income will be taken into consideration for half of the annual income.
There are different types of grants with different means tests.
Which Documents Are Required To Apply For SASSA Disability Grant
For the SASSA disability grant application, applicants must bring the following documents (originals or certified copies):
- The SASSA affidavit can be downloaded here if the ID document is not available.
- Permit for refugee status and 13-digit refugee ID: if applicable
- Confirmation of your disability in a medical report and functional assessment
- If you are married, please provide proof of your marital status
- Residence proof
- If applicable, proof of income or dividends
- The municipal value of your property, if applicable, must be provided as proof of your assets
- If applicable, proof of private pension
- Bank statements for the last three months
SASSA Disability Grant Outcome
Upon receipt of an application, you will be notified in writing whether it has been approved or rejected within 30 business days. An explanation for your rejection will be provided by SASSA if you are rejected.
If your application has been rejected, you can request SASSA to reassess it. Here is the SASSA Grant Reconsideration Application.
The Minister of Social Development may hear your appeal if your application is still rejected after reconsideration.
Applicants who are approved will begin receiving payments within three months of applying. We will backdate your payments to the date you applied.
Grant Payments
You will receive your payment when your grant is approved. This page shows when the next SASSA payment will be made (usually around the third or fourth of each month).
Depending on your preference, you can receive your Disability Grant in the following ways:
- Your bank account will be credited directly
- Cash is collected at approved pay points
- From specific institutions
You will need to fill out a Consent Form for Bank Payment of SASSA Grant and provide the following documents if you wish to receive your grant into your bank account: a copy of your identity (ID/birth certificate/driver license) as well as a bank statement showing your personal details (name and account number) for the past 3 months.
The new payment method will take effect the following month if you visit the Welfare office.
It is possible to nominate someone to collect your grant on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself.
Grant Reviews
Your application must include proof of all your incomes.
To continue receiving the grant, grant-holders must demonstrate that their applications still meet the grant criteria. Your application is reviewed to determine if your circumstances have changed since you submitted it.
Three months before applications are to be reviewed, SASSA will notify applicants in writing. After the review, you will receive a notification informing you of when and where it will be conducted. A home visit will be conducted for bedridden applicants. Your receipt of compliance will be sent to you once the review is complete.
As soon as a refugee’s status expires, their application will be reviewed.
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Grant Suspension
The following reasons may cause your grant to be suspended:
- Changes in your financial or medical circumstances
- The information you provided in your application was false or inaccurate
- When the grant was being reviewed, you failed to cooperate
- Review outcome
- There was an error in the approval of the grant
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SASSA Disability Grant Restoration
Within 90 days of receiving a suspension for the reasons listed above, you can apply to have the grant restored.
SASSA Disability Grant Lapse
There are a number of reasons why your grant may lapse:
- Grant holder has passed away
- A grant holder was admitted to a state-funded institution
- There has been no claim for the grant for three consecutive months
- Temporary disability has ended
- Grant holder no longer lives in South Africa
- A grant holder who was a refugee at the time of applying for the grant is no longer a refugee:
SASSA Disability Grant Notes
You are responsible as a grant holder for:
- If your personal or financial circumstances change, keep SASSA informed
- Changes to your contact information or physical address should be reported to SASSA
All changes to your address must be reported to SASSA promptly, as official notices will be mailed to your most recent address. Your grant may be suspended if you fail to respond to the notices.Fraudulent activities will not be tolerated by SASSA.
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FAQs
What is the SASSA Disability Grant?
The SASSA Disability Grant is a financial assistance program provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to individuals who have a permanent disability and are unable to support themselves financially.
How much is disability grant in South Africa 2023?
There is a maximum payout of R2 080 per month for a disability grant. Click here for more information about the Disability Grant.
Who is eligible for the SASSA Disability Grant?
The following criteria must be met by applicants in order to be eligible for the SASSA Disability Grant:
You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
Incapable of working or earning a sufficient income due to a permanent disability.
You must be between 18 and 59 years old.
Below the specified threshold in terms of household income.
How do I apply for the SASSA Disability Grant?
To apply for the SASSA Disability Grant, you need to visit your nearest SASSA office and complete the application form. You will need to provide supporting documents, such as your identity document, medical certificate, and proof of income.
How much is the SASSA Disability Grant?
The amount of the SASSA Disability Grant is subject to change and is determined by the South African government. It is meant to provide a basic level of financial support to individuals with disabilities. You can inquire about the current grant amount at your local SASSA office or check their official website.
How often is the SASSA Disability Grant paid?
The SASSA Disability Grant is paid monthly, directly into the bank account of the eligible recipient. The grant is typically paid on a specific date each month.
Can I work while receiving the SASSA Disability Grant?
Recipients of the SASSA Disability Grant are allowed to engage in limited work or earn a certain income without affecting their eligibility. However, there are income thresholds and reporting requirements that must be adhered to. It is advisable to consult with SASSA for specific guidelines and regulations.
Conclusion
The SASSA Disability Grant serves as a crucial lifeline for individuals in South Africa who have permanent disabilities and face financial challenges. It provides them with a regular monthly income to meet their basic needs and improve their overall quality of life. By offering financial support, the grant aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens experienced by disabled individuals and enable them to participate more fully in society.
Applying for the SASSA Disability Grant requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and submitting the necessary documentation to prove the permanent disability and financial need. It is important to follow the application process carefully and provide accurate information to ensure a smooth application process.
The SASSA Disability Grant not only provides financial support but also promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities for disabled individuals. It recognizes the challenges they face and seeks to bridge the gap by offering financial assistance and support. Recipients should be aware of any regulations or reporting requirements related to employment or additional income, and adhere to them to maintain eligibility.
Overall, the SASSA Disability Grant plays a vital role in assisting disabled individuals in South Africa, enabling them to live with dignity and independence. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to social welfare and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations within the country.
